Goggles Guide

A pair of ski goggles does more than just protect you from snow, wind, and bright light – they enhance visibility on the slopes and put the finishing touch on your ski outfit. But what should you actually consider when it’s time to invest in a new pair of goggles? In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know to find the right model for you and your needs.

Girl wearing ski goggles on a snowy mountain

The Right Lens for the Right Conditions

One of the most important reasons to wear ski goggles—beyond protecting your eyes from wind, cold, and snow—is to improve visibility on the slopes. To achieve the best possible vision, it’s essential to choose the right lens based on weather and light conditions.

Ski goggle lenses are usually divided into five categories (0–4), depending on how much light they allow through. Category 0 lenses have the highest light transmission and are best suited for night skiing or very poor visibility, such as heavy snowfall or fog. At the other end of the scale, category 4 lenses allow the least amount of light through and are designed for bright, sunny days with clear blue skies. The categories in between are ideal for variable or partly cloudy conditions.

For an even more precise choice, you can look at the lens’s VLT value (Visible Light Transmission). VLT is expressed as a percentage and shows exactly how much visible light passes through the lens to your eyes. The scale ranges from 0 to 100%, where a higher percentage means more light transmission. By comparing VLT values, you can more accurately determine which lens is best suited for the conditions you’ll be skiing in.

Category 0

Often referred to as a clear lens – the obvious choice for those who ski frequently in the evening or happen to plan their ski holiday when the weather is at its greyest. The clear lens allows maximum light transmission, providing better visibility in darkness, fog, and heavy snowfall. It also works perfectly during the summer season, for example when paired with your downhill helmet.


Category 1

The optimal lens for fog, snowfall, and days with reduced visibility. A perfect complement for those who already have a darker Category 3 lens and want to be prepared even for the greyer days on the slopes.

Tip: The Category 1 lens is also included with all of our Magnetic Goggles, making it easy to switch based on changing weather and light conditions.


Category 2

The most versatile lens of them all. It delivers good visibility in poorer weather conditions while performing equally well when the sun comes out. The perfect choice for those who want just one pair of goggles.


Category 3

These lenses are ideal for clear, sunny days on the slopes. They block a large amount of sunlight and effectively reduce glare from both the sun and sparkling snow, delivering a more comfortable and relaxed ride when the light is at its strongest. Perfect for those who live for days with clear blue skies and radiant sunshine.


Goggles with Magnetic Lenses

For those who want optimal visibility in all types of weather, we offer our Magnetic Goggles, which come with both a Category 1 and a Category 3 lens. What makes these goggles unique is the magnetic lens attachment system, allowing for quick and effortless lens changes – perfect when weather and light conditions shift throughout the day.


Spherical or Cylindrical Lens?

When talking about lens shape, there are usually two options: spherical or cylindrical. The main advantage of a spherical lens is that it is curved both vertically and horizontally, unlike a cylindrical lens, which is only curved horizontally. The spherical shape provides a wider field of view, but also comes at a slightly higher price, as the manufacturing process is more advanced.

Fit

Just like with all ski equipment, choosing the right size is essential. But how do you know if your goggles fit properly? They should sit snugly against the helmet without leaving any gaps where cold air and drafts can get in and cool you down. At the same time, it’s important that they don’t feel too tight or create pressure points — for example, you should be able to breathe freely through your nose while wearing them.

For adults, we offer two fits: normal and small face. If you have a smaller face, small face may be the better option. In the product details for all of our goggles, you’ll also find measurements that make it easier to choose the right model.

Goggles Glossary

OTG

OTG goggles (Over The Glasses) are designed to allow regular prescription glasses to be worn comfortably underneath ski goggles. They feature extra internal space so the glasses fit without pressing against the face. In addition, they are designed with discreet channels that create space in the foam at the temples, ensuring the glasses’ arms don’t pinch or get caught when putting your goggles on or taking them off.

UV Protection

Your ski goggles don’t just improve visibility on the slopes—they also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. All EQPE goggles offer 100% UV protection.

Anti‑Fog Coating

The anti‑fog coating is a special treatment applied to the inside of the lens that, together with ventilation in the frame, helps prevent the lens from fogging up.


How to Take Care of Your Goggles

New ski goggles are often a valuable investment—and can be one of the more expensive parts of your ski setup. That’s why it’s important to take proper care of them, so they perform season after season. Below are a few simple tips and tricks to help keep your goggles feeling like new, even after years of use.

Storing your goggles

After your ski trip, make sure to let your goggles air‑dry completely before storing them. Remove them from the helmet and place them in the included microfiber pouch to protect the lens from scratches and help maintain the elastic strap. This way, your goggles stay in great condition and are ready for the next season.

Lens Care

To avoid scratching or damaging the outside of the lens, we recommend always using the microfiber pouch included with your purchase when cleaning your goggles. It’s specifically designed to be gentle on the lens. A soft microfiber cloth works just as well.

It’s important never to wipe or scrape snow and ice directly off the lens, as this can cause permanent damage to the surface. If the lens is dirty or frozen, gently warm it instead—by placing the goggles inside your jacket close to your body, or by breathing lightly on the lens until the ice melts. Only once the ice is completely gone should you carefully wipe the lens using the goggle pouch or a microfiber cloth. The same applies to the inside of the lens.

We know that some things are simply out of your control—like brushing against branches while skiing off‑piste, or landing a jump that doesn’t go quite as planned. That’s why we offer replacement lenses for all of our Magnetic Goggles. A smart and more sustainable solution, both for the environment and for your wallet.


In Conclusion

Hopefully, you now feel better prepared to choose your new goggles. If you still have any questions or need further guidance, you’re always welcome to get in touch with our customer service team. Our specialists have extensive knowledge of the products we offer and are happy to help with anything you might be wondering about.